HCMC moves closer to becoming the "culinary paradise" of Vietnam and beyond

Ho Chi Minh City: A place where the culinary quintessence converges

On October 22, the Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) Department of Tourism unveiled the HCMC Culinary Tourism Program.

The event aims to introduce new travel experiences designed especially for “food enthusiasts,” as part of the city’s ongoing efforts to refresh and diversify its tourism offerings and enhance the overall visitor experience.

In recent years, the city’s culinary tourism products have been highly regarded for their immense potential and unique strengths — positioning HCMC as a hub that brings together local and international delicacies, especially following its administrative expansion.

Culinary tourism has become one of the city’s flagship tourism offerings, giving it a significant competitive edge over other provinces, cities, and even countries in the region.

Ms. Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, Deputy Director of the HCMC Department of Tourism, said that the launch of HCMC's new culinary tourism program marks an important step in positioning the city as a leading "culinary paradise" of Vietnam and the region.

Following the expansion of its administrative boundaries, Ho Chi Minh City now boasts 681 tourism resources qualified for development into diverse destinations — ranging from vibrant urban spaces and traditional craft villages to modern industrial zones, picturesque riverside areas, and charming coastal and island landscapes.

Within the city itself, unique architectural heritage sites, modern museums, traditional markets, vibrant street food scenes, and lively festivals have become defining highlights. These elements form a solid foundation for the strong growth and diversification of the city’s tourism industry.

“Notably, after the administrative merger, the city’s tourism map is no longer limited to iconic landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market, or the Independence Palace,” Ms. Ngoc Hieu said. “It now extends to promising new destinations such as Vung Tau and Long Hai beaches, Dinh Mountain, and the renowned pottery villages of Binh Duong. This richness offers visitors a wide range of experiences — from luxury retreats and nature exploration to cultural and historical discovery.”

Vietnam is world's 4th best cuisine in 2025

The prestigious U.S. travel magazine Condé Nast Traveller has just released its rankings for the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, an annual award voted by readers worldwide.

This year, the organizers honored 15 destinations around the world — as voted by readers — that most captivated travelers’ palates. All destinations on the list received satisfaction ratings of 94% or higher from visitors.

In this ranking, Vietnam made an impressive mark, securing 4th place with a score of 96.67, reaffirming its position as one of the world’s leading culinary destinations.

The magazine described Vietnam’s lush green terraced fields as an iconic image of the country, which is also home to some of the freshest ingredients in the world. 

From steaming bowls of rice, noodles, and rolled rice cakes (bánh cuốn) to the fragrant blend of fresh vegetables, tender meats, and aromatic herbs — every dish reflects a harmony of flavor and texture.

“No one who has backpacked across Vietnam can forget its street food,” Condé Nast Traveller wrote. “From the bustling floating markets of Cai Rang to the tiny eateries tucked away in HCMC’s Xom Chieu alley, Vietnam brings together the essence of its cuisine — humble in price, yet rich and unforgettable in flavor.”